Wel ismeto, I know nobody likes the SC here, and everybody praises the 1-Series. I disagree.
For me, the SC is much more like a big car, more luxurious, much better finished. You really feel like you're in a big car, spacious, very comfortable. The design, well, I like it.
For me, the 180 motor is its drawback, I never drove it but it seems not to be very refined. I did drive mainy times a SC 220cdi, I like it. Really pleasant and comfortable.
I also drived a 1-Series, 120d and one with a little petrol engine, 118i I think)
The finish is... not really bad, but really not good. This is not a premium car from this point of view, contrary to the FL Mercedes.
The drive is...hard. If you're looking for comfort, try another car. If you like it sporty, well...the 1.6 is a bit...small for it I think. The mercedes is also much more powerfull (but not heavier).
Concerning the look, the 1-Series is really awful to my eyes. The side is twisted like a banana, the eyes are way too big, the rear is massive and inelegant... The interior has grey bad looking plastics...No harmony.
I don't like the 1-Series.
I like the SC much better. Because I like comfortable, relaxing cars that drive well. And I find the look original, classy, much better than the cartoonish, excessive, caricatural 1-Series with its awful giant lights...
I however know it is hype here to destroy the SC, and that everybody seems to think that the 1-Series is a sort of marvel...Don't know why...
Save your money, keep your Mercedes.
Just my two cents.
